"Last year, I found a scooter that folds up when I travel," said Straka, who suffers from multiple sclerosis. "And, I learned more about service dogs, which is something I'm considering. This year, I know I'll find something that will help me."

Expo workshops will cover travel, home modifications, physical and music therapy and finding mobility devices. Exercise physiologists from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago will cover physical fitness routines and equipment for the disabled. Chicago attorney Janna Dutton will discuss estate planning.

One of the stars of the "Push Girls" television show, Auti Angel, will greet fans at the show on Saturday. The star of the documentary film "Beyond the Chair," Andrew Shelley, will answer questions about backpacking around the world in his all-terrain wheelchair on Friday.

Each afternoon, horses from the Royal Lusitano stable in St. Charles will demonstrate equine-assisted therapy. Also, trainers from the Elmwood Park-based Barking Angels Service Dog Foundation will discuss the abilities of service dogs.

On Saturday, Angela Ruzicka, author of the "Wendy on Wheels" books, will read from her newest book, "Wendy on Wheels Takes a Stand," and lead a children's discussion about bullying.

"Every show has an aha! moment, like when a nonverbal 5-year-old said, 'horse' when he saw an equine demonstration," said Lew Shomer, co-owner of Abilities Expo in Santa Monica, Calif., which conducts this show in seven cities each year. "We help link people to services that change their lives."

The show hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. Scooters will be available.

For more information and for the complete schedule, visit abilitiesexpo.com or call 310-405-1317.